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Mangels carrying over past success to the Red Wolves

Success.

That is what Chattanooga Red Wolves SC goalkeeper Alex Mangels is used to having when he steps onto a soccer field.

Mangels, who recorded his third clean sheet of the season last Saturday night against Greenville Triumph SC and was selected as the USL League One Player of the Week for Week 9, has been a model of consistency throughout every level of soccer.

It started for him in high school. A native of Lafayette, California, he attended Campolindo High School and led them to a sectional championship his senior year in 2010. During that season, Mangels posted 15 clean sheets and held a 0.483 goals against average. That season, Mangels was awarded with the Player of the Year from the Bay Area News Group.

Mangels moved on to the University of California Berkeley after high school where he struggled for playing time his first two years there. However, in 2013, after not breaking into the lineup the entire season, Mangels started the last six games of the season for the Golden Bears and forced his way into the starting lineup going into the NCAA Tournament.

Making the most of the opportunity given to him, Mangels had five saves in a second-round win over Bradley and then recorded the first clean sheet of his college career in a third-round win over Coastal Carolina who was ranked No. 18 at the time. California fell in the quarterfinals of the tournament against No. 4 Maryland, but Mangels recorded five saves in the match.

“For me, high school soccer was fun,” Mangels said. “I never really played at a higher level, I played club soccer but never at an academy. But once I got to my college (California) that really got the wheels turning on what it takes to get to the next level. Being in that environment really drove me to want to be a pro even more and how to do it.”

After making 13 appearances in his final year at California, Mangels joined the professional world as a member of the Tulsa Roughnecks in 2016. Mangels had a breakout rookie year where he led the league in save percentage with a .782 average and was second in the league in saves with 94. Mangels did all of this while playing in just a little over half of the matches on the season.

After helping the San Fransisco Deltas to a NASL Championship in 2017, Mangels had a similar experience to his college days. He joined Portland Timbers II in 2018 but had to fight for playing time.

But just like at California, when he was able to get into matches, Mangels shined in goal for Portland.

Making 15 appearances throughout the season, Mangels recorded six clean sheets and 35 saves. His six clean sheets on the season tied him with four other goalkeepers in the league, however, all four of those goal keepers appeared in more matches than Mangels.

That brought Mangels to Chattanooga for the Red Wolves’ inaugural season competing in USL League One. Since his arrival, he has been able to show everything that he has learned from his previous stops.

“I have been around a bit, this is my fourth club that I have been with, and everywhere I have been I have just tried to be like a sponge and soak up everything I can from my teammates and coaches, the good and the bad, and make the most of it,” Mangels said.

As a member of Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Mangels has finally found the consistent playing time that he has been searching for on the professional level. Mangels has started in all nine matches this season and leads the league in saves with 32. In fact, only three other goalkeepers in the league are within single-digit saves of his 32.

“Starting every week has definitely given me a lot of confidence,” Mangels said. “Not knowing if you are going to play every week, which I have experienced in the past, is tough especially going into training each week. But here, knowing that it has been my spot for now, has been good.

“But at the same time, I have to keep my foot on the gas because there are goalies behind me that could just as easily take my spot.”

Mangels is also tied for third in the league with three clean sheets. In two of the other six matches, he has conceded just one goal. He is on pace for his first-ever 100-save season and nine clean sheets.

The USL has taken notice of Mangels’ efforts, as well. Along with his Player of the Week honor for the Greenville game, Mangels was featured on the league’s Team of the Week after his performance against Forward Madison FC in the Red Wolves’ inaugural home opener.

Now, as the season continues on, Mangels wants to see his team improve on goal scoring while he continues to get better.

“Moving forward, I just want to keep the ball out of the net and sharpen a few things with my game,” Mangels said. “Overall it has been alright for me, but there are some things in my game that I can fine-tune and move forward with.”

Alex Mangels named USL League One Player of the Week for Week 9

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC goalkeeper Alex Mangels has been named the USL League One Player of the Week for Week 9 of the league’s inaugural 2019 season.

Mangels recorded four saves, including a pair of outstanding stops, one cross claimed and one punch to keep the Red Wolves in the game against Greenville Triumph SC before Chattanooga grabbed a late Eamon Zayed goal in a 1-0 victory at David Stanton Field Saturday night.

The match marked Mangels’ third clean sheet of the season. He currently leads the league in saves with 32.

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is looking to build off of the momentum of Saturday’s victory as the team prepares to finish out the second half of its two-game home stand, hosting Toronto FC II Saturday, June 1. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. For tickets, visit chattredwolves.com/tickets.

USL League One Team of the Week

GK – Alex Mangels, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Mangels recorded a four-save shutout to keep the Red Wolves in the game ahead of their late winner against Greenville Triumph SC.

D – Terique Mohammed, Toronto FC II: Mohammed won 16 of 23 duels overall and recorded seven recoveries, three interceptions and two clearances while completing 40 of 50 passes in TFC II’s victory against FC Tucson.

D – Jorge Almaguer, North Texas SC: Almaguer had one goal, recorded two key passes and completed 44 of 52 passes overall as NTSC defeated Forward Madison FC 3-1 on Wednesday night.

D – Josh Phelps, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Phelps completed 58 of 60 passes and recorded nine recoveries and nine clearances as Tormenta FC didn’t concede a shot on goal to Lansing Ignite FC.

D – Kevin Coiffic, Lansing Ignite FC: Coiffic won 6 of 6 duels overall and recorded four interceptions, three recoveries and two clearances while completing 62 of 74 passes as Ignite FC earned a 0-0 draw against Tormenta FC.

M – David Rodriguez, North Texas SC: Rodriguez scored his first professional goal and finished with four shots overall as he won 5 of 9 duels and completed 28 of 34 passes overall as NTSC defeated Forward Madison FC.

M – Serginho, Orlando City B: The Brazilian had one goal and one assist, made two interceptions and completed 27 of 37 passes as OCB defeated the Richmond Kickers 3-2 last Wednesday evening.

M – Omar Mohamed, Greenville Triumph SC: Mohamed was dangerous every time he got into possession, recording three key passes and completing 11 of 11 passes overall in Greenville’s visit to Chattanooga.

M – Ronaldo Damus, North Texas SC: After being selected to Haiti’s 40-man squad for the Concacaf Gold Cup, Damus scored after only three minutes against Madison and recorded four shots and one key pass in NTSC’s victory.

M – Thiago Souza, Orlando City B: Souza scored the winner for OCB from the penalty spot to cap off a productive game that saw him record four shots overall, four interceptions and two key passes.

F – Jordan Perruzza, Toronto FC II: Perruzza began and finished the move that resulted in the lone goal of TFC II’s victory against FC Tucson and completed 13 of 16 passes for the game.

MATCH RECAP: CHATTANOOGA RED WOLVES SC SECURE WIN OVER GREENVILLE TRIUMPH SC IN STOPPAGE TIME

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (3-4-2) defeated Greenville Triumph SC (3-3-1) 1-0 in the late minutes of stoppage time at David Stanton Field Saturday night.

Despite the 0-0 score going into the half, Greenville’s Max Hemmings nearly opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a header off a corner, but it was cleared off the goal line by Colin Falvey. The Triumph had three additional efforts throughout the match to test keeper Alex Mangels, but it was veteran striker Eamon Zayed who was able to find the net and steal all three points after Triumph’s failed attempt to clear a free kick.

Mangels finished the night with a four-save shutout, with two crosses claimed and one punch. This marked Mangels’ third clean sheet of the season.

Following tonight’s match, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC will finish off the team’s two-game home stand, hosting Toronto FC II on Saturday, June 1 for the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from David Stanton Field. For tickets, visit chattredwolves.com/tickets.

GAME SUMMARY

First Half:

4’ – Colin Falvey header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Vangjel Zguro with a cross following a set piece.
17’ – Jake Keegan’s (Greenville Triumph) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked by Alex Mangels.
22’ – Josue Soto replaces Jonathan Caparelli.
29’ – Omar Mohamed’s (Greenville Triumph) left footed shot from outside the boxis saved in the bottom right corner by Alex Mangels.
30’ – Maxwell Hemmings’ (Greenville Triumph) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Alex Mangels.

Second Half:

53’ – Carlos Gómez’s (Greenville Triumph) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner by Alex Mangels.
68’ –Carlos Gómez’s (Greenville Triumph) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Alex Mangels
73’ – Conor Doyle (Chattanooga Red Wolves) takes a chance with a right footed shot from outside the box, but it misses to the right. Assisted by Ualefi.
89’ – Sito Seoane’s (Chattanooga Red Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.
90’+4 – GOAL! Éamon Zayed (Chattanooga Red Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner following a set piece.

LINEUPS:

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC — Alex Mangels; Tony Walls, Colin Falvey, Leo Folla, Vangjel Zguro, Jonathan Caparelli (Josue Soto – 22’), Ualefi, Conor Doyle, Amirgy Pineda (Eamon Zayed – 69’), YaYa Cisse (Sito Seoane – 85’), Steven Beattie (C)

Substitutes not used — Will Dieterich, Nicholas Amponsah, Jamie Dell, Juan Mare

Greenville Triumph SC — Dallas Jaye; Tyler Polak, Cole Seiler, Kevin Politz, Evan Lee, Aaron Walker (C), Maxwell Hemmings (Paul Clowes – 63’), Christopher Bermudez, Carlos Gomez (Sami Guediri – 90’), Omar Mohamed, Jake Keegan

Substitutes not used – Choi Sang-Ryeong, Dominic Boland, Miguel Uribe, Travis Ward, Edmundo Robinson

Scoring Summary:

CHT: Eamon Zayed – 90’ + 4

Misconduct Summary:

CHT: Amirgy Pineda (cautioned – 64’)

CHT: Colin Falvey (cautioned – 90′)

Ejection Summary:

N/A

MATCH INFORMATION:

Head Official: Michael Smith
Assistant Referee: Zach McWhorter
Assistant Referee: Kyle Johnston
4th Official: Oladokun Faduyile

Match Preview: Chattanooga Red Wolves SC vs. Greenville Triumph SC

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (2-4-2) is beginning a two-game home stand this Saturday, May 25 as the team hosts Greenville Triumph SC (3-3-2). The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET from David Stanton Field. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

This marks the second meeting between Chattanooga and Greenville. The Red Wolves visited Greenville last month for the team’s second-ever road match and fell to the Triumph 1-0.

Prior to the match there will be a pre-game cornhole tournament at The Tap House beginning at 4:00 p.m. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit Wounded Warrior Project. Finalists will play for the grand prize of signed Red Wolves home jerseys. Registered participants receive a souvenir cup and $2 refills on Red Wolves Irish Style Red Ale, courtesy of OddStory Brewing Co.

Up next, the Red Wolves are back at David Stanton next Saturday, June 1 to host Toronto FC II at 7:00 p.m.

DETAILS

Gates open at 6:00 p.m. // Kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
$5 parking // cash and card accepted
Post-match fireworks following the final whistle.
TAILGATING: Fans are encouraged to participate in tailgate festivities prior to Saturday’s kickoff. The designated tailgate area will be at The Tap House [3800 St. Elmo Ave.]
Greater Cleveland Soccer Association players receive free admission for wearing their game jerseys to the match.
All players wearing their Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Academy tryout T-shirts receive free admission into the match.
Active duty, reserve and retired military personnel with a valid military ID receive FREE admission into the match.

For game day procedures and David Stanton Field policies, click here.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Live stream options:

ESPN+ (United States)
YouTube (International)
Live Stats (USL League One Match Center)

Follow @ChattRedWolves on Twitter for in-game updates // #CHTvGVL

ABOUT greenville triumph sc

The Greenville Triumph is one of ten founding members of USL League One. The Triumph play their home games at Legacy Early College. The club has added a 4,100 seat stadium to this site as well as built a press box, beer garden and fan zone area. They have donated a score board to the school which will stay there once the Triumph move to a permanent stadium. The team is coached by Soccer Hall of Famer, John Harkes. Assistant coaches are Alex Blackburn and Rick Wright.

MATCH FACTS

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC currently sits at number 8 in League One standings for Week 9; Greenville Triumph SC sits at number 3.
On April 13, Chattanooga fell to Greenville 1-0 on the road.
This is the second of three meetings between the two clubs.
Chattanooga will host Greenville at David Stanton Field again on Saturday, June 22.
Steven Beattie will wear the captain’s armband for the match.

MATCH RECAP: CHATTANOOGA RED WOLVES SC DROP ROAD MATCH TO FC TUCSON

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (2-4-2) fell to FC Tucson (3-2-1) 4-0 in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs from Kino Sports Complex Saturday night.

FC Tucson netted two goals in the first half, beginning with Jordan Jones scoring from the penalty spot in the 25th minute after the referee whistled for a handball in the box on the Red Wolves. Kody Wasaka doubled the lead ten minutes later, finding the end of a rebound that goalkeeper Alex Mangels made the initial block on from a Tucson free kick.

The Red Wolves had a chance to get back into the match in the 42nd minute when YaYa Cisse got around goalkeeper Philip Ejimadu, striking a shot towards the empty net. Tucson defender Kyle Venter was there to clear the ball off the line, and Cisse’s header on the rebound hit off the post to secure Tucson’s 2-0 lead into halftime.

The second half of the match saw Tucson’s Devyn Jambga score two consecutive goals, completing a brace. The Red Wolves fought back until the final minutes of the match but were unable to capitalize on attacking efforts.

Despite the Red Wolves controlling 64.2% of the match’s possession, Tucson’s nine shots on target compared to the Red Wolves’ two proved to be the winning ticket.

Following tonight’s match, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC return home for a week of training ahead of hosting Greenville Triumph SC on Saturday, May 25 for the second meeting between the two clubs. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from David Stanton Field. Fans can open their Memorial Day Weekend celebrations with a pregame cornhole tournament, post-match fireworks and more. For tickets, visit chattredwolves.com/tickets.

GAME SUMMARY

First Half:

2’ – Vangjel Zguro opens up play with a shot off his left foot from outside the box, but it goes just wide.
3’ – Steven Beattie hits a header from the right side of the box, but it misses to the left. Assisted by Abdoulaye Cisse with a cross.
9’ – Alex Mangels snags Guillermo Delgado’s right footed shot from outside the box.
14’ – Vangjel Zguro get another left footed shot off from outside the box. It’s close but misses to the right. Assisted by Andrew Kendall-Moullin.
17’ – Alex Mangels is tested and picks up a save off of Zach Wright’s left footed shot.
21’ – Abdoulaye Cisse left footed shot from outside the box is blocked by Ejimadu.
25’ – FC Tucson’s Jordan Jones converts a penalty with a right footed shot to the high centre of the goal.
32’ –Steven Beattie’s right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Éamon Zayed.
35’ – FC Tucson’s Kody Wakasa doubles Tucson’s lead and finds the net from close range following a set piece block by Alex Mangels.
41′—Abdoulaye Cisse right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Vangjel Zguro with a through ball. Cisse follows up on the clearance and hits the right post with a header from the centre of the box.

Second Half:

66’ – Tucson’s Devyn Jambga hits the top right corner of the net.
70’ – Jonathan Caparelli’s through ball finds YaYa Cisse but the forward is called offside.
73’ – Sito Seoane’s left footed shot from the left side of the box goes wide right. Assisted by Vangjel Zguro.
74’ – Sito Seoane with a left footed attempt again, misses to the left. Assisted by Steven Beattie’s headed pass.
90’+2 – Alex Mangels saves Roy Abergil’s shot from the centre of the box.